Cold hard facts

November 22, 2012|By Jack Silverstein | For RedEye

The Bears' remaining regular-season home games are against Minnesota, Seattle and Green Bay, meaning their cold-weather advantage will be minimal. But a look at these frigid games under coach Lovie Smith shows that "Bear Weather" doesn't always work in the home team's favor.

Dec. 19, 2004 vs. Houston

Temperature: 9 degrees

Supposed advantage: Huge

Outcome: Texans whip an uninspired Bears team 24-5.

Dec. 18, 2005 vs. Atlanta

Temperature: 12 degrees

Supposed advantage: Huge

Outcome: Bears grind out win over tired Falcons, 16-3.

Dec. 3, 2006 vs. Minnesota

Temperature: 20 degrees

Supposed advantage: Moderate

Outcome: Vikings crush Bears in first downs (21-6), total yards (346-107) and time of possession, but the Bears win 23-13.